In anticipation of the new OWN series Queen Sugar, I decided to pick up a copy of the book that its based on by Natalie Baszile. My goal is to finish “Queen Sugar” before the premiere of the Ava DuVernay directed series in September. I flew through 80+ pages the first day that I purchased it so I don’t think this deadline will be a problem! So far it’s quite entertaining. I think reading it during this sweltering August heat allows me to further transform myself into the story of a city woman relocating to the bayous of Louisiana to revive a sugar cane farm passed down from her deceased father. Check out the trailer for the series below and support the book that spawned the series!

Under the new pact, Washington will be expanding her behind-the-camera work, developing broadcast, cable and digital projects exclusively for ABC Studios and ABC Signature, which specializes in cable and digital content.

Washington has entered into the deal by way of her recently launched production company Simpson Street. The shingle debuted its first project earlier this month with HBO’s film “Confirmation” in which Washington starred as Anita Hill. ABC Signature was also behind the TV movie, which received positive reviews.

I was able to catch up on the WGN series Underground and am delighted that it is focusing on the underground railroad, an aspect of slavery that has never truly been focused on in a tv show. I’ve always been a fan of Jurnee Smollett (who has been married for the past 5 years to singer Josiah Bell—WTF have I been?). Her acting ability has done nothing but improved and grown over the past few years. She’s a tremendous talent in the series and along with Aldis Hodge, the supporting cast and crew behind the scenes, they create an outstanding energy in front of the lens. The series was created by Misha Green and Joe Pokaski and provides a realistic and heartfelt portrayal of the underground railroad system, my ancestors and their experience. Underground airs Wednesdays at 10pm EST on the WGN Network. Luckily, if you don’t have the channel, you can stream all of the current episodes online for free via the WGN website.

Since we’re on the subject of Jurnee, does anyone remember when her and ALL of her siblings had a tv show in the 90’s? 😉